Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Analyst sees Express Scripts benefiting from WellPoint member growthAfter health insurer WellPoint (WLP) estimated that the number of people using its health insurance would rise by 1M-1.3M this year, Citigroup expects Express scripts to benefit from the increase. WHAT'S NEW: WellPoint announced that it expects its medical member base to rise by 1M-1.3M in 2014. The company also increased its 2014 earnings per share guidance to at least $8.20 per share, up from $8. In a note to investors earlier today, Citigroup analyst Garen Sarafian wrote that WellPoint had increased the outlook for its medical membership base from previous levels and that the insurer now predicts that the number of its medical members will rise by 3%-4% in 2014. Express Scripts, which provides pharmacy benefit management services for WellPoint, obtained over 12% of its 2013 revenue from WellPoint, the analyst stated. WellPoint's stronger than expected growth could lift Express Script's 2014 earnings per share by up to 7c, wrote Sarafian. He kept a $92 price target and Buy rating on Express Script. PRICE ACTION: In late morning trading, Express Scripts lost 0,4% to $77.65 and WellPoint added 0.7% to $100.45. WHAT'S NOTABLE: Other health insurers are rising in the wake of WellPoint's announcement, with Centene (CNC), Cigna (CI), and Molina (MOH) all higher by about 1%.

Catamaran buyout a 'significant positive' for holders, says LeerinkLeerink views the buyout by UnitedHealth (UNH) as a "significant positive" for the shareholders of Catamaran (CTRX). The firm does not expect additional bidders to emerge. It also believes Catamaran will retain Cigna (CI) and HealthSpring as a client given the long-term nature of the contract and Catamaran's expertise in Medicare.

Price targets raised for Managed Care Organizations at UBSUBS raised its price targets on the Managed Care Organizations in their coverage universe. The firm cites increased volumes, a lack of new legislation, the potential for industry consolidation, and limited exposure to international markets that face a weak macro economic backdrop. UBS raised its price target on Aetna (AET) to $128 from $120, Anthem (ANTM) to $175 from $163, Cigna (CI) to $149 from $140 and United Health (UNH) to $135 from $131. UBS has a Buy rating on all four stocks.

Leerink healthcare services analyst holds an analyst/industry conference callHealthcare Services Analyst Gupte discusses Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) and the proposed pay-fors and implications For Healthcare Services on an Analyst/Industry conference call to be held on March 20 at 11 am.